Community finds the fall spirit at Fruitville Pumpkin Festival

Although just over a week ago, Sarasota had witnessed severe weather with Hurricane Milton, many local people were nonetheless heading out to enjoy the cooler fall weather on Oct. 19. 

At the Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove, the farm was still bustling with visitors.

“I had no idea this existed, and she’s having a lot of fun,” said Devin Tumpkin of Palmer Ranch, referring to her daughter PJ Tumpkin, 4. "The adults are having a blast, sometimes even more than the kids."

Held each weekend on Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 27 and now in its 36th year, the festival offers vendor booths, a pumpkin patch, circus performances by the Torres Family Circus and activities for kids from pony rides to pumpkin decorating. 

This year, it includes a new attraction, Hollowgraves Haunted Manor, which was formerly located in Keansburg, New Jersey, where it developed a reputation as a staple of the area. 

"This one's always a good time," said Nicole Hinchcliffe of Yemi's Moon, an Englewood business selling candles, crystals, herbs and other items, who said the turnout remained highly satisfying.

"Everybody was cooped up inside, so we're happy to be out and mingle and be in the beautiful weather," she said.